What causes daily headaches. How to identify different types of chronic headaches. When should you be concerned about frequent headaches. What treatments are available for recurring headaches.

Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Daily Headaches

Experiencing headaches on a daily basis can be both concerning and disruptive to one’s quality of life. While occasional headaches are common, frequent or chronic headaches affect a significant portion of the population and warrant closer attention. But what exactly constitutes “frequent” headaches?

According to medical experts, chronic headaches are typically defined as occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months. This high frequency can have a major impact on a person’s ability to function normally in work, social, and personal spheres.

The Prevalence of Chronic Headaches

Studies estimate that chronic headaches affect approximately 4% of the adult population globally. However, the true prevalence may be higher, as many individuals do not seek medical care for their headaches. Women tend to be more affected than men, particularly when it comes to certain types of headaches like migraines.

Common Causes and Triggers of Daily Headaches

While the exact cause of most headaches remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that can contribute to or trigger chronic headaches:

• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine intake or withdrawal
• Dehydration
• Hunger or skipped meals
• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
• Sensory stimuli (bright lights, loud noises, strong odors)
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications

Additionally, chronic headaches can be associated with other underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, sinus infections, allergies, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

Identifying Your Headache Triggers

To better understand your personal headache patterns and triggers, consider keeping a headache diary. Record details such as:

• Date and time of headache onset
• Duration of the headache
• Pain intensity and location
• Associated symptoms
• Potential triggers (foods, activities, stressors)
• Medications taken and their effectiveness

This information can be invaluable when discussing your condition with a healthcare provider and developing an effective treatment plan.

Types of Chronic Headaches: Recognizing the Differences

Not all headaches are created equal. Understanding the different types of chronic headaches can help in proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common types:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most prevalent type of chronic headache. They typically present as a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head, often described as a “tight band” around the forehead. While usually mild to moderate in intensity, their frequency can be quite disruptive.

How can tension headaches be managed? Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide relief, but long-term use may lead to medication overuse headaches. Non-pharmacological approaches such as stress management techniques, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are less common but often more severe than tension headaches. They are characterized by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Accompanying symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals experience visual disturbances called “auras” before or during a migraine attack.

What treatment options are available for migraines? Migraine management typically involves a combination of preventive measures and acute treatments. Prescription medications, such as triptans or ergotamines, can help alleviate symptoms during an attack. For frequent migraines, preventive medications or lifestyle modifications may be recommended. Alternative therapies like acupuncture or biofeedback have also shown promise for some individuals.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful. They occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, hence the name. The pain is typically centered around one eye and can be accompanied by tearing, redness, or a drooping eyelid on the affected side.

How are cluster headaches treated? Due to their sudden onset and severity, cluster headaches often require prescription medications for effective management. Oxygen therapy and injectable medications like sumatriptan can provide rapid relief. Preventive treatments may include calcium channel blockers or corticosteroids to reduce the frequency and duration of clusters.

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH): A Unique Challenge

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) is a distinct type of chronic headache that begins suddenly in a person with no prior history of frequent headaches. The onset is often so abrupt that many patients can recall the exact date their headaches started.

What are the characteristics of NDPH? NDPH can mimic tension-type headaches or migraines in its presentation. The pain is typically bilateral and can vary in intensity. Associated symptoms may include light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, or mild nausea.

How is NDPH diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis of NDPH can be challenging and often requires ruling out other potential causes through various tests. Treatment approaches are similar to those used for other chronic daily headaches, including preventive medications, lifestyle modifications, and pain management strategies. However, NDPH can be particularly resistant to treatment, making it a challenging condition for both patients and healthcare providers.

When Daily Headaches Become a Cause for Concern

While most headaches are not indicative of a serious underlying condition, certain signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these red flags to ensure timely intervention if necessary.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Evaluation

• Sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or neurological deficits
• New onset of headaches after age 50
• Progressively worsening headaches or a change in headache pattern
• Headaches that worsen with coughing, exertion, or sudden movements
• Headaches following a head injury

These symptoms could potentially indicate more serious conditions such as meningitis, brain tumors, or intracranial bleeding. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Daily Headaches

When evaluating chronic daily headaches, healthcare providers typically follow a comprehensive diagnostic approach. This process aims to rule out secondary causes and accurately classify the type of headache to guide treatment.

Steps in the Diagnostic Process

1. Detailed medical history: This includes information about headache characteristics, frequency, duration, and associated symptoms.
2. Physical and neurological examination: To check for any signs of underlying neurological issues.
3. Headache diary review: If available, this can provide valuable insights into patterns and potential triggers.
4. Imaging studies: In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be ordered to rule out structural abnormalities.
5. Blood tests: To check for systemic conditions that could be contributing to headaches.

Is additional testing always necessary for chronic headaches? Not always. For many patients with typical headache patterns and no red flag symptoms, a thorough history and physical examination may be sufficient for diagnosis. However, if there are any concerning features or if initial treatments are ineffective, further investigation may be warranted.

Treatment Strategies for Managing Daily Headaches

The management of chronic daily headaches often requires a multifaceted approach, combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of headache, its frequency and severity, and individual patient factors.

Pharmacological Treatments

• Preventive medications: These are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Examples include certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and beta-blockers.
• Acute pain relievers: Used to manage pain during a headache episode. This may include over-the-counter options like NSAIDs or prescription medications such as triptans for migraines.
• Combination therapies: Some patients benefit from a combination of preventive and acute treatments.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Lifestyle modifications: Improving sleep habits, regular exercise, stress management, and dietary changes can all play a role in headache management.
• Behavioral therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback have shown effectiveness in reducing headache frequency and intensity.
• Physical therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy can help some patients, particularly those with tension-type headaches.
• Stress reduction techniques: Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can be beneficial in managing stress-related headaches.

How effective are these treatments for chronic headaches? While individual responses can vary, many patients experience significant improvement with a comprehensive treatment approach. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the most effective combination of treatments for your specific situation.

Living with Chronic Headaches: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with chronic headaches can be challenging, impacting various aspects of daily life. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can make a significant difference in managing the condition and maintaining quality of life.

Practical Coping Strategies

• Establish a routine: Regular sleep patterns, meal times, and exercise can help stabilize headache patterns.
• Create a headache-friendly environment: This might include adjusting lighting, reducing noise, and using ergonomic furniture.
• Practice stress management: Incorporate relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or hobbies that help reduce stress.
• Plan ahead: Be prepared with necessary medications and have a plan for managing headaches at work or while traveling.

Seeking Support

Living with chronic headaches can be isolating, but support is available. Consider the following options:

• Support groups: Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Patient advocacy organizations: These can offer resources, education, and sometimes financial assistance for treatment.
• Mental health support: Chronic pain conditions like daily headaches can impact mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional if needed.

How can family and friends support someone with chronic headaches? Education about the condition, understanding its impact, and offering practical help during severe episodes can make a significant difference. Encouragement to stick with treatment plans and maintain healthy lifestyle habits is also valuable.

In conclusion, while daily headaches can be a challenging and sometimes worrying condition, understanding the different types, potential causes, and available treatments can empower individuals to take control of their health. By working closely with healthcare providers, implementing lifestyle changes, and utilizing both medical and non-medical interventions, many people with chronic headaches can achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Remember, persistent or severe headaches should always be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure appropriate care and rule out any underlying serious conditions.

Are Your Daily Headaches a Sign of Something More Serious?

Don’t fret just yet. The pounding pain in your head may be annoying, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a bigger problem.

There it is again — the throbbing in your dome. If you’re bothered by frequent headaches, you may be concerned that you have a more serious condition, such as a brain tumor or an aneurysm. And while those and other dangerous conditions can be marked by headaches, it’s likely that your pain is primary. In other words: It’s probably not the result of another condition.

Unfortunately, doctors don’t know what causes most headaches. According to some estimates, only 10% of headaches have a known cause. But there are contributing factors that can trigger chronic headaches, such as:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dehydration
• Hunger
• Lack of sleep
• Sensory triggers such as bright lights, loud noises and pungent smells
• Stress

Chronic headaches can also be linked to other disorders, including depression, anxiety, sinus infections, allergies and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ. In order to figure out your headache pattern and identify your triggers, you may want to keep a headache diary to share with your doctor. The National Headache Foundation provides a handy template.

Here are a few common types of chronic headaches:

Tension headache

This is the most common type of headache and it’s likely that you’ve had more than one of these in your life. But for some people, they occur almost every day. Tension headaches affect both sides of your head with a pressing, moderate pain. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) often help, but taking them for long periods of time can lead to headaches called “medication overuse” or “rebound” headaches. Instead, you may want to try meditation, relaxation techniques or heat therapy.

Migraine

Migraines, although less common, are more severe. The pain is intense, may pulsate and can be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, vomiting or visual disturbances called “auras. ” Often, migraines only affect one side of the head, although they can affect both. They also affect women more often than men. Prescription medications are available to treat migraines, but you also may benefit from simply resting in a quiet, dark room and using hot or cold compresses. Progressive symptoms of more severe or frequent headaches, or any headache that is also associated with other neurological symptoms, should be evaluated by a physician

Cluster headache

Men are more likely to have these more sudden headaches, which are often marked by pain on one side of the head, behind the eye. They tend to happen in clustered periods of time, even multiple times a day, then disappear for a while. Eyes tend to water, and a restless feeling is common. These headaches usually require prescription medicines.

New daily persistent headache (NDPH)

If you suddenly get frequent headaches, you may have NDPH. The symptoms of NDPH can mimic tension headaches or migraines, but NDPH occurs in people who don’t have a history of headaches. Often, people with NDPH can remember exactly when the onset happened. Your doctor may need to run tests to make sure these headaches aren’t secondary — that is, a symptom of a serious underlying condition.

Although daily headaches might not be the result of a dangerous problem, they can affect your quality of life and shouldn’t be considered “normal.”

“Progressive symptoms of more severe or frequent headaches, or any headache that is also associated with other neurological symptoms, should be evaluated by a physician,” says Jonathan J. Russin, MD, a neurosurgeon at Keck Medicine of USC and assistant professor of clinical neurological surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Even using these criteria, the majority of headaches will not represent an underlying problem. An exception is a ‘thunderclap’ headache, which refers to the sudden onset of the worst headache of your life. This type of headache should always be evaluated by a physician whether it is associated with other symptoms or not. ”

Topics

cluster headache

Dr. Jonathan J. Russin

headaches

migraine

tension headache

Tina Donvito

Tina Donvito is a freelance writer covering health, culture, travel and parenting.

Why Am I Getting Frequent Headaches?

To say, “I have a headache,” is one thing. To say, “I always have headaches,” is another. The latter is often more concerning.

Most people get headaches from time to time. They usually go away with or without any treatment. Frequent headaches are much less common and much more serious. They can disrupt your work or personal life. They can also be a sign of an illness or injury.

“Unfortunately, many people don’t seek help because they think they can cope on their own,” says Christy Jackson, MD, a neurologist and director of the Donald J. Dalessio Headache Center at Scripps Clinic. “They may rely on over-the-counter pain relievers instead of getting medical help. In some cases, headaches are not properly diagnosed. ”

Consult with your primary care doctor if your headache symptoms get worse or occur more often despite treatment at home. Your doctor may refer you to a headache specialist.

“No one should go through life suffering from chronic headaches,” Dr. Jackson says. “Not when they are treatable.”

Headache specialists at Scripps help people who suffer from recurring, chronic headaches through a combination of traditional and complementary care with a focus on prevention and lifestyle changes.

“We evaluate your symptoms and design a treatment plan that targets the underlying physical, psychological and environmental causes of your headaches,” Dr. Jackson says.

“There are many effective treatments to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks,” adds Robert Bonakdar, MD, a pain specialist at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Treatments may include medication, biofeedback and other therapies.

Dr. Bonakdar stresses the importance of clear and open communication between doctor and patient. “Correct diagnosis depends largely on the information you share with your health care provider.”

It’s important to understand your diagnosis as much as possible, including what type of headache you have and what is causing it. There are many types of headaches, levels of frequency and severity.

Headache pain can range from mild to disabling. Headaches can be episodic or chronic. Episodic headaches occur occasionally. Chronic headaches are more consistent. They can strike for 15 days or more in a month.

Headaches are divided into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are those not caused by another medical condition. Migraine and tension headaches are the most common.

Secondary headaches are symptoms of another health problem, such as a fever, infection, stress or a head injury.

Tension headaches, which are the most common type of headache, cause mild to moderate pain. They often present as a dull, constant pain felt on both sides of the head, and have no other symptoms.

These type of headaches are caused by tightening or tension in the muscles in the head, neck and scalp. They can be brought on by stress, noise, fumes and even long periods of watching TV or computer screens. They’re easier to handle than other types of headaches because they usually just come and go. Chronic tension headaches are much less common.

Migraine is the most disruptive type of primary headache. It is often marked by a throbbing pain that is moderate to severe. It can last four to 72 hours and happen one to four times a month.

Migraines often include other symptoms. Someone with a migraine may be sensitive to light and sound. They may prefer to be in a dark, quiet space. They may also experience nausea and vomiting and visual disturbances (aura).

Women are more likely than men to get migraines. Migraine attacks may also run in a family and begin at an early age.

Certain environmental factors are common triggers, such as sleep disruption, dehydration, skipped meals, some foods, hormone fluctuations and exposure to chemicals.

“The goal is to treat migraine symptoms right away and to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing triggers,” Dr. Jackson says.

Cluster headaches are more severe but less common. They often begin on one side of the head and recur for days or weeks. Attacks can last between 15 minutes to three hours and occur every day.

They tend to affect men between the ages of 20 and 50, and smokers. People who experience these types of headaches are often restless, agitated and sweat profusely. Alcohol can trigger an attack.

Also known as rebound headaches, they are caused by an overuse of pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Women are affected more often than men.

When over-the-counter medicine fails to work and headaches become more frequent, medication and other therapies may be prescribed.

Medications to prevent frequent migraines include antidepressants and Botox injections and newer medications.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new class of medications that modulate a neuropeptide known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that is believed to play a key role in migraine. Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other.

For treatment of migraines as they occur, your doctor may prescribe triptans for relief.

Medication for frequent headaches may be combined with non-medication options, such as biofeedback, relaxation, bio stimulation and diet therapy.

Biofeedback uses electronic monitoring to help teach individuals how to control certain physical responses, such as muscle tension.

Many different relaxation therapies are available and can be individualized.

“Manual and massage therapy can be especially helpful for those with significant muscle tension or neck stiffness related to headache,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

For those who may have significant stress and sleep issues, one of the most powerful techniques is mindfulness. “This technique helps individuals increase awareness to manage triggers and automatic responses that often lead to the next headache.”

Mindfulness is typically offered at Scripps as an 8-week stress reduction course.

Biostimulation is a broad term that encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, which involves the use of needles to stimulate specific points of the body to alleviate pain.

“With a treatment course, acupuncture has been found to be as helpful as medication in the prevention of migraines,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

Electrical stimulation and other techniques can also be used. The most recent is the Nerivio wearable device, which was one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2019.

Many headache sufferers often report a diet-related trigger. “When this is the case, the solution may be as simple as identifying and avoiding these triggers or finding a diet or supplement regimen that can fill gaps created by long-term headaches,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

While many foods can cause headaches, some are more common than others. Dr. Bonakdar works closely with the center’s dietician to help patients identify and avoid individualized triggers, which typically fall into a few categories:

• Allergenic foods which may take testing to confirm, such as peanuts and foods made with gluten
• Additives, such as those found in pre-packaged and processed foods
• Artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet foods to reduce calorie content
• Aged foods, including wine, cheese, sauerkraut and cured meats.

“Diet is just one component of headache management,” he adds. “It’s important to look at the whole person to develop a treatment plan that includes a healthy lifestyle, integrative therapies — and when appropriate — medication.”

Headache – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for visiting a doctor

Perhaps there is no such person in the world who has not had a headache at least once in his life, and about 20% of people suffer from chronic pain. Mentions of this problem are found in ancient manuscripts – the works of doctors and literary works of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Babylonian, Chinese authors. Even then, doctors were trying to find patterns in which pain in the head occurs, and treatment options. In ancient Egypt, there were even special priests who dealt only with the problem of headaches. A panacea has not been found so far, but modern medicine has made significant progress. Now there are effective methods of assistance, and high-precision diagnostic equipment will help to understand the causes of the problem.

Sometimes a completely healthy person can have a headache, and in some cases a headache can be the only practical symptom of some dangerous diseases. Why does pain arise, how to help yourself at home, when you need a doctor’s help, and when there is nothing to worry about – we will consider these issues in more detail with the doctors of the Kutuzovsky Medical Center.

Types and causes of headaches

We feel a headache in those areas where there are pain receptors. It can be different in strength, duration, accompanying symptoms and character. The manifestations and symptoms of a headache are different: someone has a headache in the temples, others complain of frequent headaches in the forehead. Consider the main options.

Migraines

This is an intense headache in the temples on one side of the head, mostly of a throbbing character. The patient exacerbated and painfully reacts to bright light, loud sounds, smells. The attack lasts from several hours to three days, may be accompanied by nausea (in 90% of cases) and vomiting (in 30% of cases). Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by physical exertion, especially sharp ones. Often the whole right side of the head (or left) hurts, and not just the temple.

Migraine is a primary headache, that is, it is not a symptom of any other disease. The cause of migraine is the appearance of inflammatory substances around the nerves and vessels of the head, which provoke pain. Why such a mechanism is activated is not known for certain. An attack can be provoked by mental or physical overstrain, stress, changes in weather, diet, hormonal drugs.

Migraines can be hereditary, women are twice as likely to suffer from them. Several genes have been identified that are responsible for migraines.

Seizures recur periodically throughout life – from several times a week to several times a year. Migraines begin during puberty (less often in childhood).

15-60 minutes before a migraine attack, some people may notice the appearance of a migraine precursor – an aura. This is a neurological phenomenon in which short-term visual disturbances appear (flickering, fogging, narrowing of the field of vision), dizziness, sensory symptoms – tingling, loss of sensation in the hands, nasolabial folds. After an attack for a day or more, the patient may experience general weakness, a weaker headache in the temples than during the acute phase, a state of “hangover”, confusion of thoughts.

Tension pains

This is a pain that “compresses” the head. She is often described as having a tight helmet over her head. There is a headache in the temples, the back of the head, on the forehead, the crown of the head – unpleasant sensations can be, both throughout the head, and in some part. This is the most common type of headache. Feelings are usually moderate, there is no acute pain (as with migraines).

Among the causes that cause this pain are muscle tension due to the same type of work, mental and visual stress, uncomfortable postures, stress, weather changes, non-compliance with the regime of work and rest. An attack can last up to several days. Tension pain is more common in people prone to deep emotional experiences, depression, stress.

Cluster headaches

Most intense pain with severe attacks. They last from 20 minutes to one hour with several attacks per day. In some cases, they may occur daily for a long time (up to several weeks).

During an attack, the head hurts in the forehead or eyes, lacrimation, swelling in the nose, drooping of the eyelids may begin. Middle-aged men are six times more likely to suffer from cluster pain, and about 0.5% of people are familiar with the problem.

These are the main three types of primary headache. Less common, but may be pain from physical or sexual activity, medication.

There is also a secondary headache – it is a symptom of some disease. These include pain associated with:

• Traumatic brain injury. Their other symptoms: dizziness, irritability, memory impairment.
• Injuries or diseases of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis and others). With them, the head hurts in the back of the head, visual acuity and hearing may decrease.
• Pathologies of cerebral vessels – stratification of the walls, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, strokes and other vascular changes.
• Arterial hypertension – high or low blood pressure. With hypertension, the back of the head hurts, with hypotension, there is weakness, and the head is spinning.
• Infections – encephalitis, meningitis, and other infectious lesions.
• Tumors in the head or neck.
• Diseases and injuries of the ears, sinuses, jaws and teeth, eyes and other structures of the skull. Where and how it will hurt depends on the root cause. So, with glaucoma, a headache is a pain in the eyes that radiates to the forehead.
• Mental illness.
• Excessive use of painkillers, including for headaches.

Diagnosis and treatment

Why does my head hurt and what should I do? The answer to this question will help to give modern diagnostic techniques. This does not mean that the doctor can conclusively find the only “culprit” – the root cause. Especially when it comes to primary headaches (migraine, tension and cluster pain). The physiological processes of their occurrence are not fully understood, although medicine knows a number of factors that provoke an attack.

The main task is to determine the type of headache: primary or secondary. The first – although they deliver a lot of discomfort to the patient, interfere with the ability to work, but are not dangerous to health. The pain will go away on its own or after taking medication.

Management of primary headaches:

• Relief of an attack with pain medications: analgesics or other drugs.
• Prophylaxis with drugs that reduce the frequency or intensity of seizures.
• Avoidance of precipitating factors – overwork, certain foods, periodic breaks in work, sufficient sleep and others.

The situation is different with secondary headaches. To help the patient, you need to determine the symptom of what disease is the headache. And treat him. This is especially important for serious pathologies that threaten life or health. Stroke, meningitis, brain tumors – these and other diseases are manifested by headaches.

Help in finding the cause:

• Examination by a neurologist, competent collection of complaints and anamnesis. This is the most important thing in diagnosing headaches.
• Laboratory diagnostics – determination of the main indicators of the body’s work: the level of cholesterol, glucose, leukocytes and other parameters.
• Instrumental diagnostics: MRI of the brain, vessels, neck, dopplerography or duplex examination of the vessels of the brain and neck, radiography.
• Examinations – electroencephalogram, examination by an ophthalmologist, measurement of blood pressure and others.

The main doctor who treats headaches is a neurologist. When it comes to secondary headaches, an ENT doctor, an ophthalmologist, a therapist, and some other specialized specialists may be needed.

Medical center “Kutuzovsky” – a medical center where they will help to deal with the causes of headaches and the right treatment.

It is beneficial to contact us for many reasons:

• The clinic has all the doctors of all necessary specialties who will work together to solve the problem.
• We have high-precision diagnostic equipment – you do all tests and examinations in the center, in a short time.
• Our prices are affordable, there is a bonus program, you can get treatment under VHI.

Our center has developed several comprehensive diagnostic programs, among which is the Headache Diagnosis. This is an opportunity to undergo an exhaustive examination for those who value time and money. Examinations and consultations will take only a few hours, and the cost of services included in the program, individually, is higher than the cost of complex diagnostics.

The headache is excruciating and can be dangerous. It prevents us from leading our usual way of life, productive work and rest. No need to endure, wait for it to pass by itself, endlessly drink painkillers. It’s time to find out why your head hurts, and act on the problem purposefully!

Video: Live on the topic: “Headaches. Modern approaches in diagnosis and treatment”

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how they differ and what they talk about

Headache can become chronic and significantly spoil life, affecting a person’s performance and normal functioning in society. Few people know, but there are different types of headaches , which differ from each other both in causes and in methods of treatment. What are types of headaches and their causes , as well as signs of headache we tell in the article.

Headache – causes, symptoms and types of headaches

Headache is a very common condition that most people experience many times in their lives. In simple words, it is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches vary greatly in location and intensity of pain, as well as in frequency of occurrence. Brain tissue does not have nerve fibers sensitive to pain and does not feel pain. If you have a headache, they are responsible for it:

• Network of nerves that extends to the scalp.
• Certain nerves of the face, mouth and throat.
• Muscles of the head, neck and shoulders.
• Blood vessels on the surface and base of the brain.

Although most headaches are not dangerous, some types may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Headache symptoms

Headache symptoms depend on the type of headache. The frequency of headaches and the intensity of symptoms can also vary. Typical headache symptoms include:

• sharp, throbbing or dull pain;
• constrictive pain;
• pain on one or both sides of the head;
• gradual or sudden onset of headache;
• duration from less than an hour to several days;
• covers the back of the head or neck;
• less commonly – nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Headache symptoms may be similar to other health conditions or problems. Always contact your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Why is headache so dangerous?

Almost all types of headaches activate the same pain receptors. This can make it difficult to know if your headache is a sign of a serious condition or not. The most serious causes of headache include:

• hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures and bleeds;
• aneurysm. Bulging or swelling of a blood vessel in the brain;
• meningitis. A bacterial or viral infection that causes swelling of the protective lining of the brain;
• brain tumor. A “primary” brain tumor starts in the brain and can be malignant or benign.

To understand if your headache is dangerous, it is important to understand the types of headaches, their causes, and how to get rid of the headache.

Types of headaches

Headaches are caused by signals interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, an unknown mechanism activates certain nerves that affect the muscles and blood vessels. These nerves send pain signals to the brain.

What types of headaches are there? Headaches can be more complex than most people think. Different types of headaches may have their own set of symptoms, occur for unique reasons, and require different treatments.

Once you know what type of headache you have, your doctor will be able to suggest treatments that will help you get rid of and prevent them.

Types of headaches by localization

Types of headaches by localization:

• migraine – severe and throbbing pain in one side of the head.
• stress – prolonged pain “compressing” the head like a hoop.
• influenza, acute respiratory infections – pain in the superciliary arches, forehead and temples.
• osteochondrosis – a sharp pain in the back of the head and at the temples.
• hypertension – severe throbbing pain, usually in the back of the head.

Hypertension

People with hypertension or high blood pressure may experience frequent headaches. This type of headache signals an emergency when your blood pressure becomes dangerously high. A headache from hypertension usually occurs on both sides of the head, has a throbbing sensation, and tends to get worse with any activity.

About the types of headaches, about headaches by zones, we will tell further.

Tension headaches

The most common type of headache is tension headache or tension headache, which does not recur often and becomes chronic in only 3% of cases. It occurs due to injuries to the muscles of the neck and head, as well as due to severe stress. When diagnosing, most often the source of pain is not determined.

Signs: There is tightness or pressure around the circumference of the top of the head, and the muscles of the eye sockets and forehead may seem to be very tense and impossible to relax. The intensity of the pain usually increases in the evening. The duration of such pain can be as much as half an hour, or a week.

Treatment: if the tension pain is irregular, it is better to use simple painkillers, and also try to be outdoors more often, do light physical exercises, stretch your neck and shoulders. Chronic pain should be treated with medication as prescribed by a doctor.

Attention! Self-medication can harm your health, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Cluster pains

Cluster pains affect about 1% of the total population of the planet. Interestingly, in 80% of cases, cluster pain bothers men. Her reasons are unknown.

Signs: throbbing intense pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye. It lasts 15-60 minutes and is accompanied by tearing, redness of the eyes, a rush of blood to the head, and a runny nose. Sometimes it can become so acute that the person cannot even talk. Cluster pains occur with uniform time intervals at the same time of day – once a month, a week.

Treatment: Difficult to treat because they come and go unpredictably. For prolonged attacks, drug injections and oxygen therapy are used.

Migraine

A possible cause of migraine is brain dysfunction, but what exactly is currently unknown. There is evidence that when a migraine occurs, blood vessels expand greatly, and electrical activity of an abnormal nature occurs on the cerebral cortex.

Symptoms: Migraine is a type of headache on one side of the head that lasts from 4 hours to 3 days. A migraine is often described as a stabbing, throbbing pain. Migraine episodes tend to recur and often result in nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and smells.

Treatment: There is no cure for migraines, but prescription medications can help relieve some of the symptoms.

Attention! Self-medication can harm your health, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Intracranial hemorrhage

Manifested as increasing, sudden pain in any part of the head after an injury (sometimes symptoms appear after a few hours).

Signs: accompanied by impaired speech skills, vision, coordination, nausea, personality disorders. Symptoms worsen over time, after which the person may lose consciousness.

Treatment: see a doctor who will remove the accumulated blood from the skull so that the hematoma does not press on the brain, thus damaging it. In this field, it is important to find out the cause of the hemorrhage by examining the vessels of the brain.

Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis is common in patients over 50 years of age and can lead to blindness if left untreated. It occurs due to hypothermia, alcoholism, various injuries, uncontrolled medication, attacks of viral infections on the immune system.

Signs: severe headaches occur due to insomnia, weight loss, depression, and the neck and shoulder may also hurt.

Treatment: Steroid drugs are used to stop the inflammation of the blood vessels. With the development of related health problems, it is also necessary to contact doctors of other specialties. For example, with clouding of the lens – to an ophthalmologist.

Brain tumor

If the headache is associated with a brain tumor, which happens in about 4% of cases, it will appear in the morning and be accompanied by vomiting. Similar episodes are repeated periodically and each time they get worse and worse. “The brain does not feel pain. There are no pain receptors in the brain. They are present only in the meninges and blood vessels. For example, when a person experiences a headache, it is not the brain itself that hurts, but the tissues surrounding it,” neurosurgeon Oleksiy Eroshkin said in an interview for Doc.ua.

Signs: seizures, sudden weight loss, personality changes in such cases become an occasion to undergo a brain examination.

Treatment: Depends on size, location and type of lesion.

Hangover headache

Hangover headache is caused by alcohol dehydrating the body, which is one of the causes of migraines. In addition, alcohol dilates the vessels of the brain and disrupts the functioning of serotonin (a substance through which electrical signals are transmitted from one nerve cell to another).

Symptoms: Alcohol makes people need to urinate because it suppresses the production of a hormone called vasopressin. This hormone affects the body in a variety of ways, affecting the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb water. Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are also hangover symptoms. All of these symptoms can lead to further dehydration.

Treatment: The best cure for a hangover headache is a painkiller tablet and sleep.

Attention! Self-medication can harm your health, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Headache Diagnosis

If you have a very frequent headache, or if your head hurts every day, you should consult a doctor and find out the causes of headache.

Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical examination and diagnostic testing, and ask about your medical history.

Frequently asked questions during an examination may include:

• When do headaches occur?
• What is the location of the headache?
• What do headaches look like?
• How long do headaches last?
• Do changes in position or sitting cause headaches?
• Do you have problems sleeping?
• Do you often experience stress?
• Do you have a history of head trauma?

If your doctor suspects a migraine or tension-type headache and the neurologic exam is normal, no further testing may be needed. However, if it is not the primary headache, then other tests may be done to find the cause.

Tests used to identify the cause of a headache may include:

• Blood test.
• X-ray of the sinus.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Computed tomography.

Headache treatment

Rest and pain medication are the main treatments for headaches.

Options include:

• over-the-counter pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• prescription pain medications;
• prophylactic medicines for certain conditions such as migraine;
• other treatments for underlying conditions.

It is essential that a person does not self-medicate and follows their doctor’s instructions to prevent headaches. After all, each type of headache requires a different treatment. For example, the treatment of headache associated with drug overuse includes reducing or stopping the medication.